Learning from mistakes: Using exam errors to perfect your English

Charlotte Guest
Students sat at desks in a classroom working

Taking English exams can be intimidating and challenging. Everyone has their own set of strengths and weaknesses, and it's common to make the same kinds of mistakes in an exam.

It’s possible to make use of this though, and improve your English from the mistakes you make. Today in our language learning blog, we discuss how we can use exam errors to perfect and improve your English.

1. Find a pattern

Firstly, you want to establish what your weak and strong points are. Write these down somewhere each time and build up a record. It's essential to take note of the mistakes you make and try to see if there's a pattern.
Perhaps mistakes happen on:

  • A specific type or style of question
  • Questions relating to the same topic area
  • A particular way the exam is delivered (like spoken or written)

These are only a few examples, but recognizing patterns or similarities can help you focus on areas that need improvement or extra attention.

2. Rationalize and understand your mistakes

Making mistakes in an exam can really impact a person's confidence, but if you can, look back and rationalize why that mistake was made. It can help your confidence in the future. Sometimes mistakes are made just because of a misinterpretation, perhaps a question wasn’t read correctly, and you realize you knew the answer after all.

Remember, the situation of being in an exam can be stressful and you may not think or respond in the way you normally would outside of the exam room, so don't be too hard on yourself.
Mistakes happen in the real world every day, and being able to look back at them and examine them critically is a valuable skill.

3. Compare and team up with peers

As we’ve already mentioned, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. It can be a great idea to compare your mistakes with others; they may be making the same ones.

You can team up and try to tackle them together, or you may know someone whose strength is in your weak areas (and vice versa). It's helpful to team up and help each other. They might have some handy tips and techniques for you to try.

4. Experiment with study techniques

It's good to switch up techniques at times and your errors might be giving you some guidance on doing so. If you tend to make errors with your spoken English, consider study techniques that work on that – like using recall or incorporating music to strengthen your speech.

Perhaps memory is an issue, so using tools like flashcards can help you. Some techniques focus on and help improve some areas more than others, so there isn’t one solution for all. Make sure to experiment and see what works for you.

5. Repetition

Perhaps an obvious one, but just repeating and practicing the questions/tasks you’ve gotten wrong in the exam is a good approach. By doing it over and over again, with some persistence, it ends up being retained in your long-term memory.

You may want to study variations of the questions you struggle with, as exams tend to alter their questions and you don’t want to be thrown off in an exam if they reword/change the question slightly.

The next time you review your exam results, remember these steps, look for patterns, examine your thought process and don’t be afraid to ask others for help. With enough practice, those errors should be things of the past.

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • Woman working in front of a laptop writing something down and smiling

    Learning a language while working full-time

    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Mastering a new language can be a game-changer for your career. Whether it's for expanding your professional network, exploring new job opportunities, or simply enhancing your cognitive skills, learning a language is an invaluable investment. But how can you juggle language learning with a demanding full-time job? Here are some practical tips designed for busy professionals.

    1. Set clear goals

    Before you start, it's crucial to set clear, achievable goals. Whether you aim to hold basic conversations, read professional documents, or become fluent, having a specific target will keep you motivated and focused.

    2. Integrate learning into your daily routine

    Finding time to study can be challenging, but integrating language learning into your daily routine can make it more manageable:

    • Commute time: Use your commute to listen to language podcasts or audiobooks.
    • Lunch breaks: Dedicate 15-20 minutes of your lunch break to review vocabulary or grammar.
    • Evening wind-down: Spend 10 minutes before bed practicing speaking or writing.

    3. Use online resources

    Modern technology provides a plethora of tools to help you learn a new language without disrupting your schedule:

    • Language learning apps: Apps like Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp allow you to practice during your commute or lunch break.
    • Podcasts and audiobooks: Listen to language lessons during your commute or workout.
    • Online courses:Ìý Many websites offer structured courses that you can complete at your own pace.

    4. Stay motivated

    Staying motivated is crucial to your success. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself of the benefits of being multilingual:

    • Track your progress: Keep a journal of your language learning milestones and achievements.
    • Find a study buddy: Partner with a colleague or friend who is also learning the language to keep each other accountable.
    • Reward yourself: Treat yourself when you reach your language learning goals.

    5. Explore company resources

    Some companies offer resources or discounted access for learning. It's always worthwhile to check if your employer provides:

    • Language classes: On-site or online language classes.
    • Learning platforms: Subscriptions to language learning platforms.
    • Education reimbursement: Financial assistance for language courses as part of professional development.

    6. Use your work environment

    If your workplace has international colleagues, take advantage of this opportunity to practice. Try to speak with them in their first language or ask for help with pronunciation and vocabulary. Not only will this provide real-world practice, but it will also strengthen your professional relationships.

    7. Be consistent and patient

    Consistency is key when learning a new language:

    • Daily practice: Even 10-15 minutes a day can lead to significant progress over time.
    • Patience: Language learning is a gradual process. Celebrate small milestones and remain patient with your progress.

    Balancing a full-time job with language learning is no small feat, but it's entirely possible with the right strategies. By setting clear goals, integrating learning into your routine, leveraging technology, practicing consistently, engaging with native speakers, making learning fun and staying motivated, you can achieve fluency without sacrificing your professional responsibilities. Ready to start your language learning journey? Take the first step today and open a world of new opportunities.

  • A man looking at a openlaptop with a pen in hand, smiling at the laptop

    7 myths about learning a new language debunked

    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Learning a new language can be an incredibly rewarding experience, opening doors to new cultures, enhancing career opportunities and providing cognitive benefits. However, many myths about language learning can discourage potential learners or lead them astray. Today, we're debunking seven common language learning myths to help you on your linguistic journey.

    Myth 1: "You need to start young to be fluent"

    Truth:

    It's never too late to learn a new language. While children may pick up accents and intonation more easily, adults often have the advantage of better-developed cognitive skills and life experiences that can aid in understanding complex grammar and vocabulary. Numerous studies have shown that adults can achieve fluency with dedication and the right learning strategies.

    Myth 2: "You have to live in a country to learn the language"

    Truth:

    Thanks to technology, you can immerse yourself in a new language without leaving your home. Tools like language learning apps, online courses, virtual tutors and even social media can provide ample opportunities for practice and immersion. Living in a country where the language is spoken can be beneficial, but it is not a necessity.

    Myth 3: "You must be naturally gifted to learn languages"

    Truth:

    Language learning is less about innate talent and more about consistent practice and effective methods. Anyone can learn a new language with the right mindset and resources. Persistence, motivation and using varied learning techniques can significantly enhance your ability to learn.

    Myth 4: "It's all about memorizing vocabulary"

    Truth:

    While vocabulary is essential, language learning involves much more than rote memorization. Understanding grammar, practicing speaking and listening, and getting a feel for cultural nuances are equally important. Engaging in conversations, reading and writing in the language can make the learning process more holistic and enjoyable.

    Myth 5: "You can't learn multiple languages at once"

    Truth:

    Learning multiple languages simultaneously is possible, though it does require careful planning and organization. The key is to manage your time effectively and ensure that you are not overwhelming yourself. Using different methods and tools for each language can help keep them distinct in your mind.

    Myth 6: "Watching movies and listening to music doesn't count as learning"

    Truth:

    Consuming media in your target language can be an excellent way to improve your listening skills and cultural understanding. Movies, TV shows, music and podcasts expose you to natural language usage, slang and colloquial expressions that textbooks may not cover. It's a fun and engaging complementary method to more formal study.

    Myth 7: "If you can't speak perfectly, don't try"

    Truth:

    Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to language learning. Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. The more you practice speaking, the more confident and proficient you'll become. Focus on communication rather than perfection, and don't be afraid to make errors—they're your stepping stones to fluency.

    Conclusion

    By debunking these myths, we hope to encourage more people to take up the challenge of learning a new language. Remember, the most important factors are consistency, practice and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

    Ready to tackle a new language? Start today and immerse yourself in the endless possibilities that come with being multilingual. Explore the benefits with our post, 'Being bilingual can help keep your brain in good condition'.

  • A class of children with tablets standing and talking

    Supporting wellbeing using AI in the classroom

    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 3.5 minutes

    According to , 2012 students with higher levels of emotional, behavioral, social, and school wellbeing, on average, have higher levels of academic achievement and are more engaged in school. It’s no wonder that fostering wellbeing in the classroom has become a priority for educators. The rise of technology brings up new challenges and issues, but with AI, there are now innovative ways to support student wellbeing like never before.

    In this guide, we’ll explore how AI can be a powerful ally in promoting learner wellbeing. From suggesting wellbeing exercises to providing personalised support, AI offers a variety of tools that can help you create a more supportive and engaging learning environment.Ìý